DAILY HOMILIES #Christianity

In today’s second reading, St. Paul describes Christ as a man of peace, one who broke down the dividing wall of hostility that existed among people. I have seen many on social media condemn Christianity, even blaming it as the source of our problems, but I have never seen anyone condemn Christ himself. This is because a wide gap exists between Christians and Christ. If we who claim to be Christians tried, even a little, to make our lives closer to Christ’s, our country would be better. This can start by breaking down the wall of division and hostility in our hearts.

The name Barnabas means “Son of Encouragement.” This name became a prophecy of Barnabas’ life. Barnabas, through his unwavering belief in Paul’s potential, persuaded the early Christian community to accept Paul as a disciple and played a pivotal role in shaping Paul’s future as a successful preacher.

Jesus taught that while the manna was earthly food (never satisfied), the bread from heaven truly satisfies. The people said, “Give us this bread always.” Jesus replied: “I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35). In other words, to have Jesus is better than having the whole world. No wonder St. Augustine said, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in God.” Only Jesus can give us true satisfaction. Stephen was not afraid of dying because He knew he had Jesus.

The secret to practising what these early believers did is refusing to be possessed by what you own. Becoming rich is not a sin, but being possessed by one’s wealth is a sin. Once upon a time, a rich young man asked Jesus about the secret of inheriting eternal life. Out of love for him, Jesus told him to sell all his possessions and give the money to the poor, after which he could return to follow Jesus. The young man walked away sorrowfully. The believers in today’s first reading did exactly what Jesus asked the young man to do. They did this because their possessions did not possess them.

St. Patrick, the beloved patron saint of Ireland, was originally from Roman Britain. When he was fourteen, Irish pirates captured him and took him to Ireland as a slave. His strong faith provided comfort and hope during his six years in captivity. A divine dream inspired Patrick to escape, and he eventually returned to Britain and reunited with his family. Feeling a sacred calling, Patrick became a priest and was later ordained a bishop. He was driven to bring Christianity to Ireland, arriving in Slane on 25 March 433.

Jesus explains that we will be like the angels in the resurrection – pure spirits who would not need to marry or have children. Jesus quoted from the Scriptures to support his point. He directed them to the passage where Moses encountered the burning bush. The Sadducees were familiar with that passage, but they never fully grasped its implications. He is God, not of the dead but of the Living.

Consider it your duty to be good. The world needs you; it needs Christians. We are the light of the world and the salt of the earth. You do not thank your bulb for shining when you turn on the switch; it is simply doing its duty. Do not expect anyone to thank or praise you for shining. Just continue living a virtuous life. Be more concerned with having conquered death than with receiving praise from others.

We live in a world where it is difficult to find honest people. Never trust anyone who tells lies; they don’t know God. Are you in the habit of telling lies? It is time to ask the Holy Spirit’s help. If someone knows the truth and decides to twist it, that person can efficiently work for the devil. You may have heard the saying: “Say the truth and shame the devil.” Lies glorify the devil because it is his nature to deceive and destroy.

St. Patrick, the beloved patron saint of Ireland, was originally from Roman Britain. When he was fourteen, Irish pirates captured him and took him to Ireland as a slave. His strong faith provided comfort and hope during his six years in captivity. A divine dream inspired Patrick to escape, and he eventually returned to Britain and reunited with his family. Patrick became a priest and was later ordained as a bishop. He was driven to bring Christianity to Ireland, arriving in Slane on March 25, 433.

Never be discouraged by setbacks when you desire growth in your spiritual life. Like the Christian faith, beginning a new habit is like planting a seed. When we decide to change from our sinful ways and devote ourselves to becoming more serious with God, we have just planted a small seed. The beginning may be rough, very rough. We may even face great temptations that we may attempt to give up.

Mary’s visit to Elizabeth lasted for three months. This means she didn’t go there out of disbelief at Angel Gabriel’s message. She didn’t go there to confirm if Angel Gabriel was telling the truth. She went there to serve. Mary had the nature of putting herself in the shoes of those in need and coming to their rescue. This was the same character she displayed at the Wedding Feast at Cana. This is also why many have received countless miracles and favours when they sought her intercession.

Jesus tells us today, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Mark 8:34). Whether we like it or not, Christianity involves self-denial, self-discipline, suffering, embracing lack, and giving away one’s life for Christ’s sake. As powerful as the cross, so powerful are those pains, insults, ridicule, and shame we must put up with for the sake of our Christian Faith.